Nate Taylor: Chiefs expected to franchise OBJ again [not happening]

[The Franchise]

Brown is technically the Chiefs’ top free agent, though for the second consecutive year, he might never reach the open market. Similar to last year, the Chiefs are expected to place the franchise tag on Brown, which will prevent him from becoming an unrestricted free agent. Such a move will allow both parties more time to negotiate a lucrative contract extension. If the parties cannot agree to a deal by the middle of July, Brown would once again be restricted to a one-year salary of $18.4 million, according to Over The Cap.

https://theathletic.com/4161606/2023...3&redirected=1

The Athletic's Nate Taylor writes the Chiefs are "expected" to place the franchise tag on LT Orlando Brown again.

Brown played on the tag last year, briefly threatening to not report to camp before showing up on time. Since coming over for the Ravens in a trade, Brown has been stellar if not exceptional, and would probably profile as one of the five best free agents on the market if he got there. Taylor also writes that Brown turned down a six-year, $139 million deal with a $30.25 million signing bonus last offseason.

Not really new news...but he won't be hitting the open market at least.

Originally Posted by ShowtimeSBMVP

In a surprise twist, the Chiefs will not be franchise tagging left tackle Orlando Brown, per source. He’s set to be a free agent March 13. The player has been notified.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 6, 2023

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by kccrow

Wharton is an RFA. They'd have to tender him at 2.6 million or sign him to a contract. Don't think he's worth the tender.

Yeah, coming off the injury that does seem like a situation where maybe they can get him on a 2 year deal for $4-5 million total? Essentially gets him his RFA money this year but at the cost of giving the Chiefs an extra year of control?

That's probably how I'd approach it. Try to buy in for an extra season on a depreciated asset.

[Wisconsin_Chief]

Originally Posted by kccrow

Wharton is an RFA. They'd have to tender him at 2.6 million or sign him to a contract. Don't think he's worth the tender.

Is $2.6 million really the lowest level tender now?

Jeesh.

[Oxford]

Originally Posted by kccrow

Wharton is an RFA. They'd have to tender him at 2.6 million or sign him to a contract. Don't think he's worth the tender.

He has value, can play inside and outside, but coming off an injury might stop him from getting much interest

[JohnnyHammersticks]

There's a bunch of receipts in this forum of me blasting Nnadi's play earlier this year. I was harder on him than anyone. But I've got to admit he actually picked it up a little in the last few regular season games and in the playoffs. He didn't get blown 5 yds backwards every play, his motor was better, and he was actually in on a handful of plays and did a very serviceable job overall.

But it's time to move on. He got a couple rings, did something nice for dogs iirc, seemed like a good dude, and didn't embarrass the franchise. He shouldn't have to pay for a drink within a 200 mile radius of KC for the rest of his time on earth. Best of luck to him, sincerely.

[tredadda]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

Yup.

Dude fell apart in 2021 and his 2022 season was his first step out of the league.

He may have 2 years left in the NFL but at this rate I wouldn't be surprised to see him as a street free agent in September. He was just incredibly bad. I'm a little surprised we didn't fire up Shelton, to be honest. Nnadi, unfortunately, brings nothing to the table these days.

I wonder about that some as to why he dropped off so quickly. He’s not old enough that age should be a factor. Is it scheme, laziness, or just a general lack of care. It’s very odd.

[tredadda]

Originally Posted by RunKC

FWIW I see a few tweets that said Jeff Darlington reported they want to keep Brown Jr, as shocking as that may be.

I don’t think they want to trade him unless that have no choice. But he may force Veach’s hand

That’s not really shocking to be honest. They tried to sign him last offseason. He might not be elite, but he seems better than last year and replacing him might be viewed as a worse option than keeping him.

[kccrow]

Originally Posted by Wisconsin_Chief

Is $2.6 million really the lowest level tender now?

Jeesh.

Yeah, crazy hey?

1st round is 6.0m and 2nd is 4.3m

Makes it hard to tender guys like Wharton, Harris, and Tega Wanogho, and you'd really like to have them all back.

At the end of the day, I'd probably just let them all hit FA and hope I can get one or two to sign back on a vet min deal.

I think Harris gets a look as a starter. He put some quality tape out there when Gay was out.

I think you could get PTW back on a vet min deal, he hasn't shown anyone much.

Wharton is a craps shoot. I don't know that anyone is going to see him as a starter, so I think you can still get him lower than that 2.6 but it probably won't be vet min.

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by Oxford

Tackle Matthew Bergeron Syracuse, 2nd rd early 6.5 33.5" arms
Tackle Cody Mauch North Dakota State, 2nd rd late 6.5 32" arms

Draft scouts say they are better pass blockers than run, mobile on zone blocking scheme

****ing love it

Who cares about run blocking.

It doesn't matter a whole lot for an andy reid team

[Pasta Little Brioni]

Originally Posted by BWillie

****ing love it

Who cares about run blocking.

It doesn't matter a whole lot for an andy reid team

Did you even watch the Superbowl....JFC

[tredadda]

Originally Posted by BWillie

****ing love it

Who cares about run blocking.

It doesn't matter a whole lot for an andy reid team

It did in the SB.

[RunKC]

Originally Posted by kccrow

The DT position needs to be completely reworked this off-season. We need at least 3 new faces. Bring back either Wharton or Saunders on a 1-year deal, and add a couple of free agents and a draft pick.

Mike Danna was a terrific interior rusher on obvious passing downs this year. He straight up took Wharton’s job IMO.

He’s the most underrated player on the entire team IMO. He was just a handful for any G or C to handle.

Idk the cost but he’s a guy that I’d really like to sign to a team friendly deal this spring.

[Balto]

Getting back to OBJ....

Veach had an offer for OBJ but reports are that he and his agent wanted more guarantees and NO FLUFF years at the end to make it seem like his average yearly salary was the top LT money when actually he could of been cut after I think 3 years(couple cheap years and then cut before the high priced years kicked in).

I mean like every team for the most part designs contracts like this. To me it signals that even if a contract is agreed on it will be very hard for Veach to make 2023 or 2024 "Cheap" years because of what OBJ wants.

If this is the case I believe Veach should just Tag OBJ, see if a team will overpay in a trade and if not just have OBJ play 2023 once again on the franchise tag while ALSO drafting a OT early in the draft with thoughts of him playing RT his rookie year. The following off season if yet again a contract can't get figured out, OBJ walks and we just get a 3rd round comp pick while that rookie either slides over to LT OR we keep him at RT and find another LT if needed.

Seems more and more like this is what happens.

Now I know about 20 people are about to post "OBJ will sit out and not play on the tag again". Well ok if he does...he gets ZERO pay and his overall value will go down. Just don't see that happening.

[mkp785]

OBJ will have a market if we decide to go that way. Steelers/Pats/Bears/Titans are all in serious need of a LT and all of those teams are much more run based than we are. As such they will all probably think that OBJ will look even better with them then he does with us.

We'll get at least a 2nd and probably more. It's all just a question of how Veach values Paris Johnson/Harrison/whoever as opposed to OBJ and their potential to be a top 3 LT in our offense.

[tredadda]

Originally Posted by mkp785

OBJ will have a market if we decide to go that way. Steelers/Pats/Bears/Titans are all in serious need of a LT and all of those teams are much more run based than we are. As such they will all probably think that OBJ will look even better with them then he does with us.

We'll get at least a 2nd and probably more. It's all just a question of how Veach values Paris Johnson/Harrison/whoever as opposed to OBJ and their potential to be a top 3 LT in our offense.

Can’t see Tennessee involved. If they are tanking then they probably wouldn’t want to upgrade at LT. I could be wrong though. Those other teams could use him though and might be willing to trade.

[Balto]

Originally Posted by mkp785

OBJ will have a market if we decide to go that way. Steelers/Pats/Bears/Titans are all in serious need of a LT and all of those teams are much more run based than we are. As such they will all probably think that OBJ will look even better with them then he does with us.

We'll get at least a 2nd and probably more. It's all just a question of how Veach values Paris Johnson/Harrison/whoever as opposed to OBJ and their potential to be a top 3 LT in our offense.

Bears seem like a good pick. No OT in the draft is worth #1 overall pick this year so that would be a HUGE reach.

Could see that #2.53 + something else.